It was mid-July when David Elias out of Geismar (La.) Dutchtown High School first started hearing from the Black Knights. Although at that time the 6-foot-3, 260 pounder had yet to receive an offer from Army.

Well for the defensive end prospect, who maintains a 3.3 GPA, that has all changed, "I picked up the offer from Army two weeks ago," declares Elias. "Coach Holmes had called me about a month ago and we talked .... he told me that they were interested. He told me that he would stay in touch and he called me back about two weeks later and pulled the trigger and gave me an offer. He said that I would be a great fit over there (Army)."

"He provided me with the website to go look at the facilities and everything they have to offer there," adds Elias, who recently made aware that the Princeton Review released its annual list of college rankings on Tuesday, and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point was tabbed No.1 in the "Best Athletic Facilities". "I was impressed with the facilities, the weight room, around campus and I was impressed and would like to see them in person. Me and my parents have discussed it and would like to an official visit there."

So, now that Elias has 'officially' the full attention of the Army coaching staff, what is the degree of interest that he has in the Black Knights? "I am definitely interested," he confirms. "There's a lot to think about up there ... not only football. I know you are pretty much set for life and they take care of you up there. Academically wise it's very high. I know they have the prep school and like I said, I am very interested .... I need to think hard about it."

"Coach Holmes spent most of his time talking about West Point and said there would be plenty of time to talk about football, although he did say that he was impressed with my play and that I would be a great fit on the defensive line."

Ironically, Elias will have played both inside and outside for Dutchtown, which makes his talents more appealing to Army's tendency to attract versatile linemen.

"I actually play defensive end in my high school's scheme the last two years, but right now I'm listed as a defensive tackle and that's where I will play this year," eludes Elias, who aside from Army, Elias has offers from Arkansas State, McNeese State and South Eastern.

Elias, who compiled 68 tackles, 6 sacks and 2 blocked passed in 2011 will kick off his season in two weeks. "I'm definitely ready ... I've been ready," says the prospect out of Louisiana, as he chuckles at his own comment. "I'm excited and we look good. We lost a lot of seniors from last year, but we've have a lot people that have stepped in those roles. We are looking good at practice and getting our techniques down ... I think we are ready."

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